Sister City Relationship Established in 1987

Known historically as the strategic protectorate and South Gate of Beijing, Baoding is situated 85 miles southwest of Beijing in the middle of the vast and fertile Hebei Province in northeast China. Baoding is surrounded by the vast Baiyangdian region of lakes and rivers to the east, Hebei Province’s capital of Shijiazhuang to the west and the Mancheng Mountain Area also to the west.

Baoding is a prefecture-level city with municipal government authority over 3 urban districts, 4 county-level cities and 18 counties that include 10,300,000 people, though the urban center only recognizes an estimated 1,000,000 residents. In governmental matters, Baoding is treated much like the United States’ District of Columbia.

The Bohai Bay Economic Rim region that specializes in heavy industry and manufacturing is comprised of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province. The area has a population that constitutes about one-sixth of China’s total, and contributes more than 25% of China’s total GDP. Baoding, Hebei is becoming a center for the development and manufacturing of renewable energies. Both Yingli Solar, one of the leading producers of solar technology, and the State-owned company Tianwei Wind Power have located their base of operations in Baoding. There are also over 630 industrial enterprises mainly involved with metallurgy, machinery, chemistry and forestry, which produce steel, transformers, paper, world-renowned hand-sculpted carpets and, more recently, renewable energy products. Baoding agricultural products include wheat, rice, peanuts, pears, apples and, most famously, the Manchen Snow Peach.

Baoding's history spans over 2,300 years and it has played many different roles under its rulers. It was destroyed by the Mongolian Army early in the 13th century and rebuilt later that same century under the Yuan Dynasty. It served as an important cultural center through the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During the early 1940s it served as a headquarters for the Japanese occupational armies. Attractions include the Western Tombs of the last emperors of the Qing Dynasty and Baoding's oldest park, the Lotus Pond, built in the seventh century.



Things to Do and Sights to See:
Boading is located about 85 miles south of China's capital, Beijing.  The easiest way to reach Baoding is by train, which from Beijing takes about an hour and should cost no more than $10. 

Ancient Lotus Flower Pond Resort: This beautiful and serene hideaway is known for its gorgeous ponds and flowers and its unique balance of traditional and modern architecture.  Equally alluring is its relaxing atmosphere and graceful charm, both of which make it the perfect spot to seek nirvana!

The Government Department: The ideal place to learn about Chinese history, government, and society on both a local level and a national level.  The government center is also renowned for its preservation of architecture from the Qing and Ming Dynasties.

Baoding Museum: If you're interested in seeing historic sites and gaining local knowledge, make sure you go to the Baoding Museum.

Want to Know More?
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Realtionship Timeline

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Charlotte, NC - Baoding, China Sister City Timeline on Dipity.

Additional information on Baoding:

Study in China's Guide to Baoding (English)